Possible Serial Killer In Somerset County Rumors Dispelled By Police

FRANKLIN, NJ — Rumors circulating on social media about the existence of a possible serial killer in the area are being actively addressed and dispelled by Franklin Township Police.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and addressing any legitimate threats to public safety," Public Safety Director Quovella M. Maeweather said. "These online rumors are baseless and only serve to cause unnecessary anxiety. We urge our community to remain calm, rely on official sources for information, and report any suspicious or fraudulent content."

Police sent out a release on Wednesday night "urging residents to remain alert but to exercise caution when encountering such false and misleading posts. These rumors have caused unnecessary panic within the community."

Maeweather emphasized that these types of online hoaxes have become a troubling trend nationwide.

Images and stories associated with these rumors circulating have been found by police to be fabricated, originating from sources outside the state, with details manipulated to provoke local fear.

"The Franklin Township Police Department strongly advises residents to approach online content with skepticism, especially when it comes from unverified sources," according to police.

To help curb the spread of misinformation, the department is encouraging community members not to share these posts and to report any questionable material directly to social media platform administrators. The Franklin Township Police Department is working with social media platforms to remove erroneous content.

Residents who encounter fraudulent posts or fall victim to online scams are encouraged to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at 732-873-2300 for assistance.

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